The Nigerian military has defended an airstrike on Jilli Market near the Borno–Yobe border, describing the location as a known terrorist enclave, even as outrage grows over reported civilian casualties.
The strike, carried out on Saturday under Operation Hadin Kai, targeted what the military said was a logistics hub for fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). According to the military, the operation followed sustained intelligence and surveillance which tracked suspected terrorists, motorcycles, and gun trucks converging on the area.
The Air Component of the Joint Task Force said the strike was “carefully coordinated and intelligence-driven,” adding that several terrorists were neutralised and their logistics network disrupted.
However, the incident has sparked widespread backlash, with local sources reporting dozens of civilian deaths. While some accounts put the toll at over 40, others suggested it could be significantly higher, though figures remain unconfirmed.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency acknowledged that civilians, including traders, were affected, describing the incident as an accidental airstrike. It said emergency teams had been deployed to assess the situation and assist victims.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, also described Jilli Market as a long-identified insurgent hub, noting it had been shut down years ago due to security concerns. He urged residents to avoid aiding or engaging with terrorist elements.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International condemned the strike, calling for an independent investigation, while former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar described the incident as a “devastating failure” and demanded accountability.
In response, the Nigerian Air Force said it had launched a probe into the allegations, activating its Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell to establish the facts.
Security experts have called for improved intelligence, stricter targeting procedures, and better civilian protection measures to prevent similar incidents.
